Family of pool drowning victim hires attorney

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. - St. Louis Park police and the St. Louis Park School District say they are looking for answers following the drowning death of a 12-year-old boy.

It is clear they are not alone.

Abdullahi Charif was pulled from the pool at St. Louis Park Middle School on Thursday.

On Monday, an attorney representing the family called on anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis Park Police Department.

Charif was given CPR and taken to the hospital where he later died.

"He suffered irreparable brain damage and was pronounced dead two days later," said attorney Fred Pritzker.

The drowning occurred during gym class. Pritzker maintains that the gym teacher, who he says was not certified as a lifeguard, was the only adult present and that there were as many as 30 seventh graders in the class.

"In addition to the police investigation underway, we are conducting a full internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said Superintendent Rob Metz in a statement. "As part of this investigation, the teacher on duty during the time of the incident will remain on paid administrative leave, and the middle school pool will remain closed during the investigation."

Pritzker said that Abdullahi's parents are struggling with how this tragedy occurred. He said that Charif did not know how to swim and that his body was not discovered until after all of the students left the pool and returned to the locker room.

He also insists officials of the St. Louis Park Public Schools have refused to provide the family with any information about the death.

"This lack of information only compounds the family's grief and mistrust," said Pritzker.

The district says that they have followed the parent's wishes about privacy regarding their son, but that communication has been open between the family and the district. Officials said that there have been conversations over the phone and in person with the latest meeting taking place on Sunday night.

"The St. Louis Park Public Schools, and the entire community, continue to mourn the passing of seventh grader Abdullahi Charif. Counselors remain on site for students, faculty and staff, and the health and safety of our students continues to be a top priority for all of us at St. Louis Park Public Schools," Metz said in the statement.

The district has set up a fund for the family at Citizens Independent Bank. Donations can be dropped off at any Citizens Independent Bank or by mail to Middle School Student Fund c/o Citizens Independent Bank, 5000 W. 36th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.